The lunar landscape of Bardenas region. Getty Images:
Head to the sand dunes or moonscapes for a winter escape. Four dream addresses.
In an unknown country: Banyan Tree Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ula Desert is an almost exclusive destination for archaeologists to this day is an open-air museum off the tourist trail. At its heart, the Ashar Valley hides a spectacular gorge, where 78 modern suites reminiscent of Bedouin tents (some with private pools) share silence, a spa and one of the world’s most beautiful pools carved between two cliffs.
Unavoidable. A visit to the Nabataean city of Hegra, a remarkably preserved future Petra that still hides all the traces of the civilizations that crossed it over the millennia.
From 1,400 euros per night with breakfast. Banyantree.com
One of the most beautiful pools in the world dug between two rocks. Click the picture
In the video, the 5 areas where you absolutely need to apply sunscreen
The Grand Canyon of Europe. Aire de Bardenas, Spain
A little over two hours’ drive from Biarritz, it’s a lunar landscape that has inspired filmmakers for decades. Shot right in the middle of this telluric world Game Of Thrones , 21 cubes and 10 panoramic balloons currently count around thirty architecture and design awards. The childhood dream of two locals who envisioned an experimental and sustainable hotel without visual pollution, “built” without impact on the environment, and whose table is fed by an organic vegetable garden.
We love sleeping under the stars, criss-crossing fairy chimneys on a Segway, and alternating miles visiting the castles of Navarre and the famous vineyards of Rioja.
From €218 per night with breakfast. Airedebardenas.com
Here, the table is fed by an organic vegetable garden. Click the picture
Initiating vote: Six Senses Shaharut, Israel
It is one of the newest of the group, south of the Negev desert. The promise? Combining a well-being experience and immersion in the history of the Nabataean peoples. A three-hour drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is a journey in itself. 60 on-site villas invite you to let go and get away from it all, between treatments and kibbutz immersion, stargazing, Shabbat dinner in a neighboring community…
We love attention to detail, down to the smallest object: the kitchen farm-to-table and 100% detox, alternative medicine specialists and two pools with endless desert views.
From 809 euros for breakfast for two. Sixsenses.com
Alternative medicine, stargazing, swimming pools… It’s all there to be missed. Click the picture
At the worst place in the Atlas: Caravan Agafay, Morocco
The Habitas hotel group has signed its unusual addresses. Forty-five minutes from Marrakesh, this time he sets up his luxury camp in the middle of the rocky desert, against the backdrop of the Atlas foothills. Pool, table tennis, outdoor Berber lounges, bar under the stars and stables… This “luxury glamping” 20 Tuareg-inspired lodges make the most of Moroccan craftsmanship.
to do attend an outdoor cinema session, learn about survival techniques in the middle of the desert, meet the Amazigh people, take a yoga class in infinity, walk a camel…
From €300 per night with breakfast. Ourhabitas.com
A luxury camp in the middle of a rocky desert with the foothills of the Atlas in the background. Click the picture
Source: Le Figaro
